NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The October 15th issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology (AW&ST) features a special report on the next generation of Aerospace talent, entitled "Top 40 Under Forty."AW&ST's editors narrowed down the list of 40 from reader and industry nominations, along with candidates identified by AW&ST editorial. The result is a pioneering showcase of the industry's top talent, and their extraordinary accomplishments to date, and the latest in Aviation Week's continued commitment to the future A&D workforce.

The global aviation, aerospace and defense industry has a rich history in attracting and cultivating top talent, and AW&ST's "Top 40 Under Forty" report uncovers an elite group who possess an aggressive palette of leadership, technical and analytical dexterity, business insight, and a resilient dedication to continuously pursue better than "good enough." The complete "Top 40 Under Forty" list in its entirety:

Lee Ann Tegtmeier, editorial lead on this feature and Civil managing editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, is available for commentary and interviews at +1 202-383-2422 or leeann_tegtmeier@aviationweek.com. To schedule broadcast appearances or inquire about media/press discounts to Aviation Week and the Aviation Week Intelligence Network, contact Director of Communications Joe D'Andrea at +1 212-904-3780 or joseph_dandrea@aviationweek.com.

About Aviation Week:

Aviation Week, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace and defense industries. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week for analysis, marketing and intelligence. Customers include the world's leading manufacturers, suppliers, airlines, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this global market. Aviation Week produces data and analytics services including the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), industry-leading events around the world, as well as ShowNews and Business & Commercial Aviation.

On July 2, 2012, the group's flagship Aviation Week & Space Technology (AW&ST) relaunched with an even greater focus on technology, business and operations that has long been the brand's hallmark. In addition to civil, military and space, AW&ST's market coverage is further expanded with new monthly Defense Technology and MRO editions to include land and sea and aftermarket insights.

Aviation Week's 2012 digital expansion includes a redesigned AviationWeek.com for deeper community engagement and navigation and a comprehensive technology upgrade to the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN). AWIN, the industry's essential integrated business tool, now has increased capability through more fleet and MRO data and an expanded team of data analysts.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial's leading brands include Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts energy information services and J.D. Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.